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allisonwhite167's review against another edition
4.0
i think i would have liked this better if i read a physical copy instead of listening to it on audiobook. it was easy to space out during the stories since they weren’t the most enthralling to me. i did enjoy the commentary a lot though. i think saunders’ perspective as a reader and a writer was really interesting. probably would not have read this if it wasn’t for a book club
abbyperryman's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
jojo0_909's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
spooky_snoopy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
I appreciated the commentary Mr Saunders added, i do feel like it helped me appreciate the stories more
bentohbox's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
what a pleasure of a book to read & engage with.
I don't think there's a book that's transformed my conceptualization of writing as an art form quite like this one. Saunders is a masterful analyst, writer, and thought partner capable of extracting meaning while guiding you to your own conclusions, though he has often already arrived at those conclusions and awaits patiently for your arrival.
in composition and style, this very much feels like a microcosmic seminar with Saunders that encourages you to sit and examine every aspect of every story. you end up considering not just how you felt but why, when, and to what extent each writer intended each emotion. it pulls back the polished facade to allow us a rare peek at mechanics, history, and style that compel us readers. and we are better off for it.
I don't think there's a book that's transformed my conceptualization of writing as an art form quite like this one. Saunders is a masterful analyst, writer, and thought partner capable of extracting meaning while guiding you to your own conclusions, though he has often already arrived at those conclusions and awaits patiently for your arrival.
in composition and style, this very much feels like a microcosmic seminar with Saunders that encourages you to sit and examine every aspect of every story. you end up considering not just how you felt but why, when, and to what extent each writer intended each emotion. it pulls back the polished facade to allow us a rare peek at mechanics, history, and style that compel us readers. and we are better off for it.
christynhoover's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A masterclass on Russian short stories by a master novelist/shortstory writer himself. Saunders is so astute, funny, compassionate. Listening to the author narrate the audiobook is a tremendous bonus.
Go to hear Saunders speak/be interviewed live about his work --or anything!--if you ever have the opportunity.
Go to hear Saunders speak/be interviewed live about his work --or anything!--if you ever have the opportunity.
seraf's review against another edition
4.75
love love love. i didn't know a book about writing could feel so warm and cosy, or contain philosophical observations that connected with me so well. there's something very comforting about the reading experience here. i'm 15 again in my favourite english teacher's class and i'm the most engaged student of all time.
i can't wait to read more russian classics and i feel like this is the perfect jumping off point for someone like me who hasn't dipped their toes into the *george saunders voice*, uh, pond yet.
i can't wait to read more russian classics and i feel like this is the perfect jumping off point for someone like me who hasn't dipped their toes into the *george saunders voice*, uh, pond yet.